Congress moves to protect small and rural post offices from closure

Lobbyist Update

By Harry Glenn

The House Appropriations Committee approved legislation June 17th that would prevent the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from consolidating or closing small and rural post offices.

The provision is included in the Fiscal Year 2017 Financial Services Appropriations Bill, the legislation that includes funding and oversight for USPS. The full House will consider the legislation later this year.

This provision was included in similar legislation last year and was signed into law last December. Because it is a part of an annual appropriations bill, it must be approved by Congress one year at a time.

Congress May Move Postal Legislation This Summer

Lobbyist Update, Postal Reform

by Harry Glenn

As predicted at the May conference, the House and Senate will make another attempt at moving postal reform and modernization legislation through Congress as early as this summer. This makes it more important than ever that each AUSPL member makes contact with his or her member of Congress to share the association’s interest in this matter.

AUSPL President Morgan Wolaver, Board Member Gary Phillips and Director of Operations Mark Karolczyk visited Capitol Hill May 20 and 21 to meet with key members of Congress and legislative staff who will be drafting postal legislation.

USPS Should Sell Its Real Estate

News

Sales and leasebacks of real estate owned by the US Postal Service is one solution proposed by commentators for easing the USPS financial woes. Though the condition of the USPS’s finances has improved, the problem is far from resolved. Leveraging its real estate portfolio would provide necessary cash for upgrading its infrastructure and maintaining delivery…

The Postal Service & Rent Payments

Tip of the Month

Like many other governmental agencies, the USPS pays for services after they are rendered. Therefore, rent is paid at the end of the month, which is considered the service period. Rent due for a partial month will be prorated based upon the portion of the month during which the postal service had occupancy. In the…